Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on an EU-US Trade Agreement; what timetable is envisaged; and if he will make a statement. [155013]

Michael Fallon, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise: The UK strongly supports the forthcoming launch of negotiations for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. It is important that we push for as ambitious an agreement as possible to deliver the fullest benefits to the "UK and the EU". We are hoping to agree the negotiating mandate within the EU in June and launch negotiations soon after that. We hope to make rapid progress towards conclusion.

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